Instagram adds 50 mln users in last 6 months, reaches 150 mln users

Instagram has reached the 150 million users mark. .

Instagram has announced its user base has grown by 50 million users in the last six months to reach the 150 million milestone. The company reached the 100 million mark in February this year and has shown a tremendous growth in the past six months.

Instagram on its official blog revealed that 60 percent of Instagram users are located outside the United States. Instagram added: “This community continues to surprise us every day with [its] creativity, sense of adventure and unique perspectives on the world. Whether you’re in Moscow or Hong Kong, Berlin or Reykjavik, we’re more committed than ever to bringing you the best Instagram experience possible.”

Last month, Instagram launched the new version 4.1 for iOS and Android. The update brought new features like mix video importing, video support for Android 4.0 ICS users and for iOS users it added automatic image straightening functionality.

The company also stated that it will soon begin showing advertisements as well. Emily White, director of business operations at Instagram has confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Instagram "should be ready to begin selling ads within the next year."

Facebook-owned Instagram introduced 15 second videos in June to compete with Twitter's Vine. It recently bought Luma video sharing app, to enhance its video sharing features. Post the acquisition Luma has shut down its service and has asked users to download their videos from the site. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed yet. Instagram has incorporated Luma's Camera stabilization technology into the Instagram app and has already made it live for users.